Kimberly-Clark stock holds near $109 after an earnings miss
Published on 08/21/2026 at 11:48 | Editorial responsibility: Rafael Müller, Editor-in-Chief AD HOC NEWS
Kimberly-Clark (US4943681035) stock opened at $108.69 on August 20, 2026, after the latest session showed a 12-month range of $92.42 to $134.38 and a market value of $36.15 billion. The company reported $1.80 in quarterly EPS on August 4, 2026, below the $2.01 estimate, while revenue reached $4.19 billion, up 0.6% year over year.
Earnings set the tone
The August 4, 2026 quarter gave investors a clear comparison point: EPS of $1.80 versus $1.92 a year earlier, with revenue of $4.19 billion against $4.22 billion expected. The same report showed a net margin of 11.79% and a return on equity of 143.92%, figures that keep the quality of earnings in view even after the miss.
Analyst positioning stayed constructive but cautious, with a consensus target of $117.93 and a Hold rating that leaves only limited distance from the latest share price. On the market side, the stock's 200-day average of $103.39 and 50-day average of $108.75 place it close to a short-term inflection zone.
Dividends remain central
Kimberly-Clark also declared a $1.28 quarterly dividend, equal to $5.12 on an annualized basis and a 4.7% yield. That payout implies a dividend payout ratio of 87.07%, which is a high but still visible cash-return anchor for income-focused holders.
For a consumer staples name, the combination of a modest revenue increase, a lower EPS result, and a large payout ratio is the key tension. The stock is not priced like a deep value turnaround, but the dividend and the stable category exposure continue to shape how the market assigns its multiple.
Product pressure points
The company's portfolio still centers on Kleenex, Huggies, Kotex, Cottonelle and Scott, with professional products sold through Kimberly-Clark Professional and KleenGuard. That mix matters because the August 4, 2026 quarter showed only limited top-line growth, so brand strength and margin discipline matter more than a single product cycle.
Shares and valuation
Kimberly-Clark stock trades on Nasdaq under KMB and closed the latest cited session at $108.69. With a market capitalization of $36.15 billion and a consensus target of $117.93, the shares are still being valued as a defensive large-cap staple rather than a fast-growth story.
Fact box
Company: Kimberly-Clark Corporation
ISIN: US4943681035
Ticker: KMB
Exchange: Nasdaq
Price (as of August 20, 2026, 4:00 p.m. ET): $108.69 USD
Market cap: $36.15 billion (as of August 20, 2026)
Sector / Industry: Consumer Staples / Household & Personal Products
Index membership: S&P 500
Next earnings date: November 3, 2026
